Sexual misconduct has been a problem in Hollywood for decades, but many never knew just how prevalent the problem was. Following the many accusations against Harvey Weinstein, several victims of sexual misconduct by Hollywood moguls have spoken out against their perpetrators.

Terry Crews has become one of the prominent voices to come forward about his experience with sexual assault. The Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor filed a police report in November 2017, alleging that he was sexually assaulted by a Hollywood executive in 2016.

Crews, along with all sexual assault victims, should feel support for their bravery after coming forward — no matter how long it takes. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and victims often face criticism for not speaking up sooner.

In a series of tweets, Crews opened up about being sexually assaulted, and explained the sad reasons why he didn’t come forward about his experience until now, as well as the end result of the investigation (page 8).

1. Crews opened up about his experience with sexual assault

Terry Crews opened up about his experience with sexual assault. | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Following the allegations against Weinstein, Crews revealed that he, too, has been a victim of sexual assault. On Oct. 10, 2017, he tweeted, “This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME.” He continued, “My wife n I were at a Hollywood function last year n a high level Hollywood executive came over 2 me and groped my privates.”

Crews didn’t reveal the identity of his perpetrator, but he did explain, “Jumping back I said What are you doing?! My wife saw everything n we looked at him like he was crazy. He just grinned like a jerk.”

Next: He worried about how it would appear, but that’s not the only reason.

2. He worried about how it would appear

I was going to kick his ass right then— but I thought twice about how the whole thing would appear. (4/cont.)

After the assault, Crews considered his options carefully. Even though he tweeted that he wanted to “kick his *ss right then,” he “thought twice about how the whole thing would appear.”

Crews feared that he’d be framed as the bad guy, even if he knew he was in the right. He said he knew the media could easily paint the situation as “240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho,” so he decided to leave the party without taking action.

Next: Another reason is what’s often associated with sexual assault.

3. He addressed the power and shame associated with sexual assault

That night and the next day I talked to everyone I knew that worked with him about what happened. (7/cont.)

Even though Crews admitted that he “talked to everyone [he] knew that worked with him about what happened,” it’s not so easy to come forward about being assaulted publicly.

Unfortunately, many sexual assault victims are afraid of not being believed — especially when it comes to a high-level Hollywood executive. It’s sadly far more likely to be shamed for trying to take down a well-regarded person than to be taken seriously, which puts the predator in power.

Next: Another sad reason is the fear of how a major part of his life would be ruined.

4. He feared the allegations would ruin his career

In Crews’ series of tweets, he touched on some important points: “Who’s going 2 believe you? ( few) What r the repercussions?(many) Do u want 2 work again? (Yes) R you prepared 2b ostracized?(No).”

Crews’ fears are likely those of many in the industry, keeping most from speaking out. Going up against a prominent name in Hollywood is a risk in itself, but it could potentially be career-ending and leave you ostracized.

As Crews tweeted, “I understand and empathize with those who have remained silent. But Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator.”

Next: This may be Crew’s assaulter.

5. Adam Venit was revealed to be Crew’s assaulter

He knows who he is. But sumtimes Uhav2 wait & compare notes w/ others who’ve been victimized in order 2gain a position of strength. (13cont)

After NBC News and local station CBS 3 pinned Venit as the perpetrator, WME to placed him on leave during the investigation, according to Variety. Crews later confirmed that Venit was who he was speaking about.

Next: Crews admits he didn’t feel safe coming forward alone.

6. Crews didn’t feel safe coming forward alone

Now that so many brave victims have come out against Weinstein, more and more celebrities have become more comfortable in coming forward. The situation opened up the eyes of the public, proving that this is a serious issue — not only in Hollywood, but in a number of businesses.

Sadly, Crews admitted that “sumtimes Uhav2 wait & compare notes w/ others who’ve been victimized in order 2gain a position of strength.” While consequences are finally being met for some of the perpetrators in this particularly industry, it’s scary to think that Crews may not have ever spoken up if others hadn’t gone through the same experience.

Next: Here’s what Crew’s hopes to change.

7. He hopes opening up about his experience will help others

Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless. (16/end)

Crews concluded his tweets with writing, “Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless.”

Even though so many Hollywood predators have remained in positions of power, their reigns are seemingly coming to an end one-by-one. If more and more celebrities gain the courage to speak up, we will hopefully see a change in this abuse of power.

Next: A sad ending

An unsatisfying conclusion

Terry Crews in 2018. | Rich Fury/Getty Images

In March 2018, the investigation came to a close. Sadly for Crews, the LA City Attorney’s department said that “the matter was rejected because it was beyond the statute of limitations.”